U.S. Department
of Justice
New Haven Man Charged with Federal Firearm and Drug Offenses
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging QIYON REED, also known as “Gutter,” 35, of New Haven, with one count of unlawful possession of firearms by a felon, and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine.
As alleged in the indictment, on September 12, 2018, Reed possessed a Heritage Manufacturing Stealth C-2000 nine-millimeter, semi-automatic handgun and a Smith & Wesson MP9 Shield nine-millimeter, semi-automatic handgun. Prior to that date, it is alleged that Reed sustained several felony convictions, including state convictions for possession and sale of narcotics and for carrying a dangerous weapon, and a federal conviction for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
The indictment further alleges that, between October 2017 and September 2018, Reed possessed and distributed cocaine.
If convicted on the firearm charge, Reed faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. If convicted of the drug trafficking offense, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena L. Coronado.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.